Riga: We Had The Opportunities

José Riga says Blackpool had more than enough opportunities to get something from the game against Derby County this evening.

An 81st minute penalty from Chris Martin separated the two sides, yet it could have been a different story had one of several Pool chances been converted.

"We had the first opportunity to score and they got some opportunities in the first-half, but I think we had the best. It's another story when you can take the lead, as we did against Cardiff for example," he said.

"The second-half was more difficult because they made some changes and they had some people on the bench who were able to make the difference. We also had some opportunities so we were not only spectators, we were part of the game."

The clinical aspect of Blackpool's game is currently missing, with Riga seeing enough to suggest that the players are doing plenty of other things right.

"If I look at the statistics, we have a lot of opportunities in all our games and today we maybe faced one of the best teams in terms of playing and everything.

"You can have the ball, you can create opportunities and you can score, but scoring goals is about experience, quality and decisive players. We need some more leaders, not only Perkins, Tony McMahon, Peter Clarke and Joe Lewis who is doing well."

Blackpool's reaction following Saturday's defeat to Huddersfield did please the manager, although more will be required moving forward.

"What was pleasing was the reaction because it was like two different teams but it wasn't enough. At some key moments in the game you have to be effective because that's when you can make the difference," he added.